We are going to share with you 10 incredible public beaches in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. Thus, during your vacation, you will know where to go and what you can find, when you decide to go on an adventure.
Although it is hard to believe, in the Riviera Maya not all beaches are public. This wonderful and privileged place also has some private areas for the exclusive use of each hotel.
In the Mexican Caribbean, there is a resort for every 10 kilometers from Cancun to Tulum, approximately. Although the law indicates that it is 20 meters from the sea as a public beach, access can be complicated. So it is not easy to know which are the beaches that we can freely explore and how to get to them. That is why we are here today!
List of 10 public beaches in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya from north to south.
Puerto Morelos
Maroma Point
Xcalacoco
Emerald Point
beach 88
The Beach C.T.M.
38 Beach or Shangrila Beach
Mommies Beach
Founders Beach
Playacar
Puerto Morelos is more than just a fishing village
Puerto Morelos has one of the best and largest stretches of white sand beach and crystal clear waters in the Riviera Maya.
With a very relaxed atmosphere and very different from what you will find in the cities of the area, this small town offers, in addition to wonderful public beaches, a high-class gastronomic sample. Several restaurants and hotels in the area have a piece of the beach, so the variety of lounge chairs, umbrellas, bathrooms, and dishes to choose from is very extensive. It just depends on you which area you like best to sit and enjoy.
This little town also has a large portion of the second largest coral reef in the world. For this reason, the snorkeling and diving options are also numerous and essential.
Access
The main beach of Puerto Morelos has easy access from the town center. It is located next to the Pelicanos restaurant, right next to the zócalo.
If you are looking for a more local experience, head to the north of the city, there you will find some beach clubs that have public access. You will not be able to use their loungers without paying or consuming, but if you bring your umbrella and your towel, you can stand near them and enjoy their good atmosphere
How to get it?
It is located less than 20 minutes from Cancun International Airport. Right between Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
If you go by car you can find the exit to Puerto Morelos from the highway from Cancun to Playa del Carmen very easily. There, if you continue straight on the road that takes you to Puerto Morelos, you will find yourself in front of the zócalo. There is no loss. Just find where to park and voila!
If you go by bus or van, the stop is on the road, so you will need to take a taxi to get to the center of town.
You can also take a taxi from Playa del Carmen, it will not be very cheap, but without a doubt, it is the fastest.
Punta Maroma, one of the most beautiful in the world
Just 20 kilometers from Playa del Carmen, you will find this spectacular beach. One of my favorites. It is still quite unknown and private compared to other public beaches in the area. However, still almost a secret, it was recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world according to The Travel Channel. It is not entirely public, but it is well worth paying to spend the day.
One of the less crowded beaches. This place is amazing if you are looking for colorful fish and absolute tranquility. Also, the club restaurant is quite good and very reasonably priced!
Access
The beach club is called Maroma Adventures & Beach Club. Admission is around MXN 200. Includes the rental of lounge chairs with umbrellas, and the use of bathrooms and showers.
Among its activities, the marina has options for ATV riding, horseback riding on the beach, and even camel riding!
How to get?
From Playa del Carmen you can take the van heading north. Ask the driver to let you know when he arrives at Punta Maroma. It will leave you on the road and you will have to walk about 3 kilometers to get to the beach club.
If you go by car, take the highway towards Cancun and follow the signs for Punta Maroma. You’ll be there in about 20 minutes.
Xcalacoco, a very private public beach
Just a few minutes from the center of Playa del Carmen, you will find this delicious beach. It is isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city, surrounded by luxury hotels with beach clubs and restaurants.
It is fabulous to go with children, as the breakwaters calm the few waves that the Caribbean Sea dares to raise. It is also embodied with thousands of colorful fish and white sand as fine as you have ever seen.
It is a perfect place to camp. During the most important festivities like New Year, big events are organized with the possibility of spending the night in your tent. If you want to eat or drink something, without having to go to a restaurant, one of the best options would be to take it from Playa del Carmen, since this public beach does not have particularly easy access if you do not have your vehicle. It is also not easy to find a place to park.
If you go with friends, do carpool! It is one of three public beaches with a Blue Flag distinction that sets very high standards for beaches around the planet.
Access
Access to this public beach is not very well signposted and it is the only one there is. If you go by van, you will have to walk along Av. Xcalacoco is about two kilometers from the highway to the beach.
How to get?
About four kilometers north of Playa del Carmen, on the road to Cancun, you will pass the Galerias el Triunfo store on the left and immediately see a traffic light. The hotel Azul Fives and Coco cabins are signposted. Turn right towards those hotels. At the end of the path, you will find the beach.
If you go by van, ask him to get you off at “la coca” (because his offices are there at the corner of the traffic light). You will have to walk about 15 minutes to get there.
Punta Esmeralda, the favorite of the locals
Although it is loved by more and more tourists every day, we still keep it a secret. We are all in love with the adjoining cenote that rests just a few meters from the sea.
The low depth and with small coves that form on the shore, it is perfect for children and adults. Here you will enjoy the temperature changes between the warm water of the Caribbean and the freshwater of the cenote. This is another of the three public beaches with a Blue Flag badge.
Many palm trees are offering natural shade far from each other. If you arrive early (around 9:00 a.m.) it will not be difficult to find a free one. If you prefer, at the entrance there is a beach club with a rental of lounge chairs and umbrellas. It also has a drinks and snacks menu. During your stay, several street vendors will pass by offering you snacks, fruit, and soft drinks.
Access
The public beach of Punta Esmeralda only has access right next to the Paradisus hotel, at the end of the Colosio neighborhood.
How to get?
It is possible to get to this beach on foot, by bicycle, motorcycle, taxi or by car. The parking space is quite ample, but on weekends it is necessary to arrive early to find a space.
If you are walking or cycling you can continue along 5th Avenue to North 112th Street. There turn right and you will see the entrance.
Playa 88, an almost desert beach
This beautiful public beach is still quite unknown. Thanks to the multiple options in Playa del Carmen, it is not usually very crowded. It is one of my favorites to watch the sunset.
Playa de la 88 is the continuation of Punta Esmeralda towards Playa del Carmen, but still quite far from the center. However, it is very easy to access.
It has a bike path and little else. There are no hotels, restaurants, or beach clubs. It is an almost desert beach, very clean, and with some palm trees offering natural shade. It has a shower, bathrooms, and a beautiful ‘Playa del Carmen’ sign perfect for taking photos.
As in almost all of Mexico, you will also find some street vendors selling fruits and snacks.
It is the third public beach in Playa del Carmen with the distinctive Blue Flag.
Access
Access to public beach 88 is paved and pedestrian. Bicycles and motorcycles are also allowed.
How to get?
Whether on foot, by bike, by car, or by taxi, you can follow 5th Avenue to North 88th Street. There, turn right until you come across the entrance.
The C.T.M. Beach is somewhat calm and fun
This famous public beach in Playa del Carmen is surrounded by hotels, high-end apartments and high-end beach clubs. Here the Mandarino club, the Martina and the new premises of the famous Hijas de la Tostada are famous. At dawn, free yoga classes are offered daily.
A very quiet beach during the week, but very crowded on weekends. You decide when you prefer to rest between the small boats that leave and return from fishing.
This beach is also especially nice to watch the sunset. Here it will be easy for you to stock up on snacks because just a two-minute walk away you will find several convenience stores.
Access
The beach of the C.T.M. It has several public entrances. Whether you enter directly from C.T.M. or some of the streets parallel to it. You can enter through the parking lot of the Coco Reef hotel, next to the Mandarino beach club, or through 44th street.
How to get it?
Take your bike, car or walk to the end of Avenida 46, also known as C.T.M. There are no trucks to take you there.
If you go by car, there is. Many places to park nearby. Remember that it is a parking meter area. From Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (except holidays).
Playa de la 38 or Shangri-la, is one of the most popular for locals and tourists
This public beach, known by many as Shangri-La Beach, is a little narrower than the previous ones. It is located in the space that remains between the sea and the boutique hotels that are on the edge of the beach.
It is a fun and very popular beach, especially on weekends. It is surrounded by very varied restaurants with cuisines from different countries of the world. There are many street vendors offering everything from ceviche to Argentine empanadas. It also offers a very good atmosphere for tourists and locals who stay until late at night. The lighting of the hotels combined with the light of the moon makes it a magical beach.
Access
The 38th beach can be accessed directly by going down to the end of 38th street. There, at the end of the street, you will find fairly wide access. It is also possible to enter through one of the parallel streets such as 40 or 44 and walk south along the beach to reach it.
How to get?
Go down to the beach through one of my favorite streets in all of Playa del Carmen: Calle 38. If you go on the weekend, I recommend walking or cycling there. Parking is hard to find on weekends and it’s a metered area. From Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (except holidays).
Playa Mamitas, an icon of Playa del Carmen
Without a doubt, this is the most famous beach in Playa del Carmen. It is located closer to the center and the busiest area of the city. It takes its name from the best-known beach club in the city and is surrounded by a wide variety of hotels and clubs that make this the beach for young people and parties.
You can rest on your towel near the club. If you prefer, you can pay for beach beds or lounge chairs with their umbrellas. The club has a swimming pool and restaurant. The waiters will come to your place with the drinks and food of your choice. Here you can enjoy good music and a fun atmosphere, but with a lot of styles, just a few steps from the crystal clear water of our beloved Caribbean.
Access
The entrance to Mamita’s public beach is on North 28th Street. Being one of the most famous beaches in the city, on that street, you will find multiple restaurants, bars, and convenience stores.
You can also enter through the dock on Avenida Constituents. When you get to the beach, turn left and walk along the beach for about 5 minutes until you reach Mamita’s. You will pass next to two other renowned beach clubs such as Kool and Coralina.
How to get?
If you come from 5th Avenue, go down to the beach on North 28th Street. I recommend you go walking. It is one of the busiest beaches in the city and has a very small parking lot.
Fundadores Beach, the origin of the city
The origin of Playa del Carmen began in this downtown beach that has seen the city change radically in just a few years. As if that were not enough, it was also the first inclusive beach in all of Mexico. In 2013 and with an investment of more than one million pesos, access ramps for wheelchairs to the seashore, water loungers, amphibious walkers for children and adults, and special canes for the blind were incorporated.
Downtown beaches range from the Cozumel pier to Constituyentes Avenue. It is the area closest to the hustle and bustle of the city.
It is also lined with hotels of various categories. Some restaurants have lounge chairs with umbrellas and beach beds for rent. The service comes to your table so you never have to take your eyes off the sea.
This beach is surrounded by shops for excursions, tours, souvenirs, jet ski rentals, or various water sports such as kayaking or parasailing. Here you will find multiple activities. The atmosphere is more relaxed and relaxed, the gastronomic offer is more varied as well as its prices.
A few steps from the beach you will find cultural presentations in the park such as the Papantla flyers and pre-Hispanic dances.
Access
Any of the downtown streets will take you to the beach, however, the monumental entrance to Playa Fundadores is through the Portal Maya. This great sculpture has also become an icon of the city.
How to get?
You will find the entrance to Portal Maya at the end of Avenida Benito Juárez, right in the center of the city. Just a couple of blocks away is the ADO central and the beginning of 5th Avenue.
Playacar, one of the most exclusive public beaches in Playa del Carmen
Playacar is known as the most exclusive area of Playa del Carmen. It is a residential area that has a beautiful public beach.
In this area, the beaches “belong” to the hotels. Access through the residential is limited to guests, residents, and people with day passes. However, you can also walk along the beach from the pier to Cozumel.
It does not have restaurants or beach clubs for visitors in general, but in the residential complex where it is located, you can find numerous shops, a gastronomic variety, a golf course, Mayan ruins, and even an aviary.
On this beach, you will find a lot of tranquility and especially vivid colors in the water. Take your umbrella, as there are not many palm trees and the sun loungers are reserved for hotel guests.
You can also find parasailing, jetski, or kayak rentals.
Learn more about Playacar
Access
The ideal is to walk south along the public beach that is next to the pier to Cozumel.
How to get?
The dock to Cozumel has located two blocks from Benito Juárez and the ADO terminal on 5th Avenue. If you arrive at Parque Fundadores, walk a few more minutes to the right where you will find the pier and the entrance to the beach.
These are without a doubt the best beaches in Playa del Carmen with free access. And you already know all the public beaches in Playa del Carmen? Tell us which one is your favorite in the comments!
